Though mobility scooters are easy and safe to use for most individuals, it is still critical to review a few of the basic guidelines for proper operation. Whether you’re headed to the mall for some shopping with family or taking a ride around the park, knowing everything about your scooter can make your experience safer and more enjoyable.

Here is everything you need to know:

Battery

Before you take your mobility scooter anywhere, it’s important to make sure that the battery is properly charged. Though most scooters have sufficient battery life to last a few hours, it is always recommended to charge your scooter after every use. The battery’s power is highly dependent on its voltage and the size of the scooter, so you may want to consider this before purchasing or leasing a mobility scooter.

Tires

Just like a car, checking the tires of your mobility scooter is essential to your safety. Though having issues with tires is rare, especially with scooters, it is vital to do your due diligence and take a look at the tires before going out. A mobility scooter with under-inflated or over-inflated tires can be dangerous. These cases can cause a decrease in velocity and may put pressure on the vehicle’s battery life.

Comfort

Of course, before you begin operating the scooter, make sure you are in a comfortable position. You definitely don’t want to be repositioning yourself while you’re driving, as this can cause you to lose focus. Once you’re in the proper position, make sure both of your hands are holding the handlebars and that both of your feet are planted on the scooter’s platform.

Though you may feel random desires to stretch out your legs and move them from the platform, this can be harmful. Make sure your feet are never off of the scooter as this may cause you to lose control.

Road Safety

When it comes to actually driving on the road, make sure that your scooter is on smooth and flat surfaces only. This can help guarantee that your scooter will remain in a good condition and that the battery does not run out so quickly. Note that most scooters are not meant to be operated over rough areas such as hills or steep slopes, so avoid these locations and try to only remain on safe roads.

It is also important when driving that you have complete focus over the road, and that you are not busy scanning what’s on the right side or behind you. Also, keep a good distance between your scooter and pedestrians. It takes one second of distraction to get hurt, so full concentration is key to avoid any potential injuries.

Maintenance

If you have purchased a mobility scooter, you will need to keep it clean and maintained. This means checking batteries, tires ignition, and all components of the scooter on a regular basis. Proper maintenance will help increase your scooter’s life and prevent any potential issues, damage, or accidents in the future.

When it comes to purchasing or renting a scooter, the most important thing to know is how to use it properly. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, make sure that you take care of your scooter and that you avoid places or roads that may pose issues. If you are ready to rent a reliable and highly functional scooter, we know just the place. Contact Yellow Scooters today to get started.